Branson

It really does suck when others put up permanent stands on public land. It's breaking the rules, and discourages others from placing stands in good locations with the thought that it "belongs" to someone else. I hunt an area with a couple permanent stands, but I'm not sure if they're still being used. I know if they are, it isn't that frequently. The area I hunt was recently made public (within the past 3 yrs) and the stands don't really look well-maintained. Either way, it's not ideal to hunt over someone else's spot, but it is public land. If it's your only choice (your buddy knew the spot and you were new to the area) I can't fault you.

Gundeck

I believe it is first come, first serve on public land, but I certainly wouldn't get in a fight over it either. You never know what that other guy is like.